Christmas Trees and Cactus

I just returned from a weekend get-a-way to Cabo San Lucas. While driving through the desert terrain I was taking in the sights of the many different businesses, homes and people in the area. One site that surprised me was a Christmas tree lot. They had several different sizes of trees and even white Christmas trees.

In the center courtyard of the resort was a very large Christmas tree and other decorations like snowmen and presents. At the entry way was a beautifully landscaped cactus garden with a nativity scene in the center.

Throughout the weekend I kept thinking of how it didn’t feel quite like Christmas without the snow and cold weather. But that isn’t what Christmas is about at all. The nativity scene at the entry way said it all, it’s about Christ.

While speaking with one of the tour guides he asked where we lived and about snow. He had never seen snow in his life. I imagine that it sounds as foreign to him as the desert cactus for Christmas does to me.

But his eyes lit up and you could feel the excitement in his voice as he took us to the first church ever built in the city and spoke of the nativity. When I entered the church I saw an engraving above the alter that read, “Dios es amor” which means “God is Love.”

Whether you are in a desert, on the beach, surrounded by snow or on a mountain top that message is true for everyone in any location. God is Love!

We may look different, live different and have different cultures and customs but God is the same yesterday, today and forever and we can celebrate His love for us no matter where we are.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for the opportunity to see different cultures and landscapes and for the reminder that no matter where I am, You are with me. Thank you for the beautiful message at the church that You are the God of Love. Help us to embrace others and celebrate this life You have blessed us with and to see the beauty that surrounds us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

1 John 4:8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.